Lackey, Virginia facts for kids
Lackey was a small community near Yorktown in York County, Virginia, United States. It was a place where many people, especially African Americans, settled after the American Civil War. Today, Lackey no longer exists. Its land was bought by the federal government in 1918 to build a naval base.
Contents
History of Lackey
Early Community Life
Before the American Civil War, some free African American families lived in the area that would become Lackey. These families often started from relationships between white slave owners and African women during the colonial period. At that time, working-class people, both white and Black, often lived and worked together.
Growth After the Civil War
After the Civil War, the number of Black people in York County grew a lot. This happened because many enslaved people escaped to Union lines during the war. After the war, many freed people stayed and built homes in the area that became Lackey. By the early 1900s, hundreds of African American families lived here. They worked as farmers, fishermen, or oystermen in the local waters.
Land Taken for Military Use
During World War I, the United States Navy needed land for a new military base. This base is now called Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. The government bought properties from many landowners in Lackey, most of whom were African American. About 60 African American families had to leave their homes. Three churches also had to move.
A self-educated farmer named John Tack Roberts helped many of these families. He studied law and became a local judge. With his help, many people from Lackey were able to get money from the government for their land. Some families moved to the community of Grove in nearby James City County. Others moved to Williamsburg or Lee Hall. Many found it hard to buy new land that was as good as what they lost. They often had to change from farming to other jobs.
Lackey Today
The original community of Lackey is now gone. It is considered one of the many lost towns of Virginia. Another small community, also named Lackey, was later developed a few miles away along Yorktown Road.
